kidnapping
UK: ˈkɪdnæpɪŋ | US: ˈkɪdnæpɪŋ
n. the act of unlawfully seizing and carrying away a person by force or fraud, often for ransom
vt. the action of abducting someone illegally
The word "kidnapping" originates from late 17th-century slang, combining "kid" (a child) and "nap" (a variant of "nab," meaning to seize). Initially, it referred to the abduction of children for forced labor in the American colonies. Over time, the term expanded to include the unlawful seizure of any person. The "-ing" suffix standardizes it as a noun denoting the action. The morphemes preserve their original spelling, reflecting the word's vivid criminal connotation.
The wealthy businessman was a victim of kidnapping and held for ransom.
Authorities arrested three suspects involved in the kidnapping plot.
Kidnapping is a serious crime punishable by life imprisonment.
The novel's plot revolves around the kidnapping of a diplomat's daughter.
Security measures were increased to prevent potential kidnappings.